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Frequently Asked
A quick look at the questions we hear most often. View the full FAQ for more.
Who is Ethical Mechanic?
A community-driven platform promoting transparency, honesty, and professionalism in auto repair. We connect car owners with trustworthy mechanics and provide resources to make informed decisions.
Is Ethical Mechanic free?
Yes. Everything we offer — mechanic directory listings, scam awareness guides, verification tools, and educational content — is completely free for consumers and mechanics alike.
How do I verify a mechanic?
Use our AI-powered Verify a Mechanic tool right here on the homepage. Enter whatever info you have — business name, phone number, location — and get an instant trust score and report.
What makes a mechanic “ethical”?
An ethical mechanic operates with transparency, charges fair prices, only recommends repairs that are actually needed, and carries proper licensing, ASE certification, and liability insurance.
How do I report a scam mechanic?
Document everything — receipts, texts, photos — and report to your state Attorney General, the BBB, and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Visit our scam awareness page for a full guide.
Do you include mobile mechanics?
Absolutely. Mobile mechanics are a vital part of the auto repair industry. If they operate with proper credentials and integrity, we want them in our directory.
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California 'Oil-in-the-Engine' Scammers Arrested After Tampering With Cars to Lowball Sellers Statewide
Three suspects — Gabi Tanase, Ionut Tanase, and Marius Tanase — were arrested in Placer County in early May 2026 after a months-long statewide scheme in which they posed as buyers on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, secretly poured oil into sellers' engines to fake mechanical failures, then pressured panicked sellers into accepting fire-sale prices. Eight California counties confirmed as targeted.
Convicted Sex Offender Operates Oklahoma City Mobile Mechanic Business — Craig H. Bondy of C&J Mobile Mechanic
Craig Henry Bondy Jr. — owner of C&J Mobile Mechanic & Auto Repair in Oklahoma City — was convicted by an Oklahoma County jury of two counts of Indecent or Lewd Acts with a Child Under 16 and sentenced to 15 years on each count. Three separate appeals failed. His business sends mechanics to customers' driveways, garages, and homes. In August 2026 the State of Oklahoma won a default judgment against Bondy, his ex-wife and the business over sales tax collected from customers and never remitted — after asking the court to stop them operating entirely. Parents deserve to know.
Why Mobile Mechanic Fraud Is Outpacing Brick-and-Mortar Shop Cases
Across the 2024-2026 catalog of auto-repair enforcement actions, mobile mechanic cases are growing faster than fixed-shop cases — and the structural reasons explain why the trend is likely to keep accelerating.